Summer Blues Boogie at the Playhouse
Description
Get ready for an afternoon bursting with blues!
The Tasman Bay Blues Club has curated a stellar line-up of local and visiting artists, bringing a vibrant mix of blues styles to the excellent Playhouse Theatre & Cafe Mapua. With a line-up like this and a fantastic venue to match, the stage is set for a special afternoon. Come along and let the blues take centre stage.
Door Sales $25.000
John Tame & Celine Filbee 3.30-pm
Retro play the blues 4.00pm
Rich and the Poor Boys 5.00pm
Rubber Biscuit 6.00pm
Lineup
John Tame & Celine Filbee
This new duo will kick off the proceedings - you saw them here first! John is an accomplished guitarist with a story to tell. He chooses his songs with care and attention and puts the same into how he performs them - with character, feel and intent. For this showcase he has teamed up powerhouse vocalist Celine Filbee from Taranaki, the two met at the Tasman Bay Blues Club. On guitar or bass, Celine commands every song with a striking voice, she can own the biggest banger, feel the suffering of a blues standard or dial it right back to expose all the sentiment in a ballad. The combination of the pair's talent is guaranteed to draw you in and make you think about more than just the chords and lyrics.
Retro Plays the Blues
Retro is getting back to its Juke Joint Blues Roots playing HARD DRIVING GUITAR BLUES with Traditional, Chicago, West Coast and English Blues influences. Playing contemporary versions of blues song made famous by the likes of Keb Mo, Robin Ford, Etta James, Canned heat, Led Zepplin, and Muddy Waters. Denny Allen Vocal and Guitar, Hadyn Olsen Guitar and Vocals, Murray (Muzz) Poulter Bass and Backing Vocals, Warren (Wozz) Houston Drums and Vocals
Rich and the Poor Boys
Rich formed this band in March 2023, having met Denny Jude, Andrew and Jason through the Tasman Bay Blues Club where they performed at the Club's monthly Blues Jam Nights. Rich played in a number of UK Blues bands before arriving in NZ. He was a founding member of Jukejoint, but was keen to form a smaller, harmonica-led Blues band, playing in the Chicago Blues style of Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf and Junior Wells, as well as incorporating some original material. The Poor Boys (now with a different line-up with Denny retiring in late 2025 to live life 'on the high seas' and Alister Gunn stepping in to replace him) are all dedicated Blues musicians who have been playing around the Nelson/Tasman region in various bands for many years
Rubber Biscuit
Lastly on the day the incomparable Marcus Roebuck leads this group of top musicians bringing stunning powerhouse blues that will have you up on your feet and dancing. Marcus – Vocals and Blues Harp, Sahn, Bass, Jim - Drums, Brett - Guitar
The Venue
Tucked away in the heart of beautiful Mapua, the Playhouse Theatre has been a place of celebration, creativity, laughter, and connection for more than 16 years. Since taking over the venue in 2009, owners Nic Roland and Manuela Fuhrimann have poured their hearts into preserving the unique magic that makes the Playhouse so special.
The journey began with a leap of faith. When the previous owners were forced to walk away, Nic and Manuela saw something worth saving — not just a venue, but a place filled with character, community spirit, and endless potential. What followed has been years of hard work, unforgettable moments, and a deep appreciation for the people who continue to support the venue.
Originally trained in Switzerland, Manuela brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to the Playhouse kitchen. Her passion for hospitality and food is at the centre of everything she does — creating warm, memorable experiences for guests from near and far.
Nic’s background is equally creative. A former One News television editor, he has always been drawn to storytelling, music, and bringing people together. Alongside running the Playhouse, he is a passionate DJ and music lover, often found behind the decks at local events or helping create the lively atmosphere the venue has become known for.
The Cafe and Bar will be open.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
